Abstract

Ecophysiology is the study of the interactions of ecological characteristics with the physiology of animals inhabiting a particular niche. Even in stable environmental conditions, physiological functions of animals change due to circadian rhythm, moulting cycle (as in crustaceans), changes during growth and reproduction. In nature, where temperature, salinity, photophase and such other factors vary rapidly, animals adjust their life processes through complex physiological and behavioural patterns. However, this fascinating field of study has received only a limited attention presently